Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH Feb 14: Shamsher Hakla Poonchi a prominent Gujjar leader and intellectual has urged the Government of India (GoI) to sanction a special developmental package for the nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals.
Addressing a gathering in Bandi Chechain near here, today he said the condition of majority number of Gujjars and Bakerwals living in far flung and hilly areas is apathetic as they lack basic amenities of life and no Government over the years worked for ameliorating their lot.
Hakla said a ray of hope has been created among the community with the present dispensation at Delhi taking some concrete steps for their welfare and in this regard the granting of political reservation to this deprived class is a great and historical step.
He expressed the hope that the GoI will also take steps in settling the other demands of the community so that they can get opportunities of progress and development with other communities in the country.
Hakla demanded special package for their permanent settlement and welfare of unsettled Gujjars and Bakerwals.
He also urged GoI to establish a Tribal Development Council in J&K with the financial and developmental powers, opening of boarding schools in all the districts of J&K on the pattern of Navodya Vidyalaya for boys and girls of the community, inclusion of Gojri language in 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution and establishment of Tribal University in J&K.
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